Boot Camp Moms (and loved ones)

Here's a video posted online (6/13/22) that shows the 10 weeks of boot camp:

What US Navy Recruits Go Through

And if you are interested in seeing what happens during the "Confidence Chamber" aka gas chamber here is a video link:

Boot Camp Gas Chamber

USPS Informed Delivery - Sign up and receive an email from the US Postal Service showing what mail you will be getting each day (if available in your area).  

Informed Delivery®

Be sure to RSVP for Sarge's Meet N Greet.  It's held on the Thursday night before PIR.  Here's the link:  

Sarge's Meet N Greet

The Meet N Greet for October 20th is cancelled, Sarge has to have surgery.

NOVEMBER 10, 2022 PIR IS A THURSDAY

MEET AND GREET WEDNESDAY 11-9-22

NOVEMBER 23, 2022 PIR IS A WEDNESDAY

MEET AND GREET TUESDAY 11-22-22

My SR arrived at Boot Camp at GL last night.  Got the call that he was there at around 11pm.  He sounded very rushed, and out of breath.  Lots of noise and yelling in the background.  He sounded a little scared.  We've tried our very best to prepare him for what's in store, and he kept saying that he wouldn't have any issues, but could tell from his voice last night, he was a little shell shocked.  I think that boot camp will be so good for him!  I'm excited to see the changes that happen over the next ten weeks.  But now I'm on the emotional ups and downs, worry and pride roller coaster.  I recorded his call last night so I could have it to listen to until I hear his voice again.  Can't wait to start the letter writing.  He said on the phone last night we should get his address in about two weeks.  Hopefully I don't have multiple anxiety attacks before then!! Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lapdja - Hang in there! My SR has been gone two weeks and the only communication I've had is the "I'm Here" call as well.  Good idea to record it - I didn't think of that!  Time seems to be creeping by but I'm sure it goes faster for them.  This group has been great and such a support!  Stay strong!

AIRCMom -Welcome aboard! Looking forward to getting to know you and hearing about your future sailor's journey through BC and beyond! This is a lovely group of supportive moms! 

Lapdja - BNMHs to you! The ups and downs can be hard! I'm learning it ebbs and flows through this journey. The changes will be amazing. I'm still in awe of how much my sailor has changed. That first call is a bit of a shock - I was so glad I was prepared for it.  I also recorded it !!  I think we recorded the second call too. Funny though - I never listened to either one again - but still have the recordings. I should play that "i'm here" call for my son when I see him again - could be funny now that he's on the other side of BC.  Hang in there - we will carry you through the rollercoaster ride! 

Tootie - I found that after the first 2 (painfully slow) weeks, time started to feel like it was moving a little faster. Hopefully your SR gets to call in another week or so. 

Hello Ladies, I know time is moving at a snail crawl for alot of you, how about a couple ideas to keep your minds and hands occupied? Let's see now there is the Blue Lantern or Candle ideas post just above the comment section.  We light/ burn them while they are going through BC, deployments or just because we miss them. I know it is a little early but you could start gathering ideas for your door anchors for PIR. Some motels don't allow them but some do. Another idea that was great is putting small flags up in your yard, you start with 10 of them and then remove one every Friday your recruit is at Boot Camp. By the time you remove number 10 you should be heading down to Great Lakes.  You could make wreaths for your front door to show your Navy pride. Read up on the donation baskets for the Sarge's Meet and Greet, that's up there somewhere to. Never too early to be looking for great ideas and buying supplies. Here is the wreath I made for my front door. The busier you stay the faster time will fly. Prayers for all your recruits and your aching hearts.

Northwoodsmom - thank you - great ideas!  And I love your wreath - so creative!

I made two wreaths already!! One for me and one for my parents! navy%20wreath%202.png

lapdja, they are beautiful. I guess you are way ahead of me. That would a great auction item at Sarge's if you were planning on going.

I got the "I'm a Sailor!" call! She sounded exhausted but is super excited and counting down the days to graduation. Can't wait to see her. She said her team did a great job and team work was awesome throughout. Yay!

Northwoodsmom & lapdja, those wreaths are super cute!

Fawnface, congratulations, so happy for your daughter and you. Prayers for a safe trip to Great Lakes. Give that Sailor a hug from all of us too.

I love those wreaths.  I wish I was creative like that.  I would love to purchase one for my house after my son graduates.  

OPFA failed, retake on Friday. My mama heart can't take this set back week by week.  

Congratulations for those that get to PIR this week!!

lapdja & northwoodsmom - Beautiful wreaths!

Fawnface - Congratulations to your sailor!! 

NJMnavymomOH - prayers for success for your son on Friday

 Fawnface  woo hoo... congrats.. BZ to your new sailor...

JNMnavymom, gosh, I can't imagine this rollercoaster you are on. Holding your son up in Prayer that Friday he will persevere and you will get a positive phone call filled with excitement. Your indeed are being structured into a very strong Navy Mom!

Fawnface - BZ (Bravo Zulu) - Congratulations!!

Yes, at the end of this I should be able to handle just about anything.  Talk about a learning curve/experience.  Thank you for your prayers and good luck wishes.

lapdja -- Welcome to the wildest ride you never knew you would be on!!  yep... Once they get there and the yelling starts, even the most prepared are a little shell shocked!  Just remind him, when you hear from him to Keep his head down, His mouth shut and to do what he's told, when he's told, the way he's told and he'll be just fine!!  Your Wreaths look awesome!!!

Tootie --- {{{{{BNMH}}}}} The great silence is so hard.  You can do this and so can your SR!!

WHOOP
WHOOP
WHOOP
ATTENTION ON DECK

We have a sailor!
Congratulations to Fawnface  and her Sailor!! BZ!!!!

JNMnavymomOH ---{{{{{BNMH}}}}} There are no other words to say!!!  You are going to be the strongest of us all no matter what may come!

lapdja - Your wreaths are lovely! 

Keep in mind that there is a lot of rushing and change going on with your SR (seaman recruit) in the first 36 hours at BC. Be sure to watch the videos posted in the upper left. Also, begin writing your letters now so that you can mail them off when you have an address. 

Be sure to look at the pages in the upper right (click view all). One of those is Letter writing and fun stuff/questionnaire

this blog posted is linked there, but I am sharing here because there is new information with regards to Sandboxx App for BC   that was just updated in Sept 2022. It is posted there as well as check out RTC Bootcamp website

Fawnface - Congratulations!!  You have a sailor!!

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

JNMNavyMom oh my heart hurts with you. This is such a tough journey. Prayers for strength and speed for your SR today! 

LAPDJA & Northwoodsmom I absolutely LOVE your wreaths! You should sell on ETSY - I'd totally buy! :)  Really wish I had that kind of creativity and talent! 

Fawnface Woot Woot!!! Bravo Zulo to your sailor!!! So exciting! 

Good Morning,

I have just read that we can send Contacts and solution, I guess for Graduation. Is this correct? I copied and pasted it below. 

"The exception is that about 3 to 4 weeks before PIR you can send contacts and a small amount of solution. Writing "Contacts for PIR" in the corner of the small box or padded envelope is useful, but not necessary since your recruit will have to open the package in front of the RDC."

JNMNavyMom - sending lots of hugs your way today and praying for your SR - hang in there!

Junebugg - My understanding is that is correct. I would send a note though to your SR and ask them if they want you to send it to them. 

*Disclaimer* - I do not have first-hand knowledge on contacts, only what I know has been the case in the past and what Lemonelephant was able to glean when she wrote those pages. 

JNMNavyMom - prayers for your son.

Best wishes to anyone attending PIR today.

Remember your RED shirt today. My son's FRG (Family Readiness Group) sold Red Deployment shirts with our ship for a fundraiser. Every time I wear that shirt when my son's ship is out whether for a short excursion or a longer one, it takes on a totally different meaning. 

JNMnavymomOH, I am praying for your son today (and for you).  My heart is with you and I will pray for you every time I think of you.  Big hugs!!!!

Today's PIR happening now:

LIVE PIR 10.7.2022

Be sure to join your PIR group.  Here are the links:

 PIR DECEMBER 2022

PIR NOVEMBER 2022

PIR OCTOBER 2022

When my son was in boot camp we were allowed to send him his contacts for PIR.  In the end he decided not to have us send them and he just wore his glasses.  We took them with us to PIR instead.

Hi moms! My SR is due to graduate on 11/10. When should I book flights and hotels? I looked up the drive time and it's 12 hours which is way too long to be in the car with 3 kids and an ex-husband! Any advice?

I would think/say 3-4 weeks and make sure you pick refundable options..for hotel and airplane.. The local hotels can fill up fairly quickly, when you think about how many sailors graduate each Friday..

Melissa - I would definitely look into booking now.  We usually fly Southwest because they have a very generous change policy.  Otherwise make sure you check refundable options as Trey said.  Hotels will usually let you cancel up to 24 hours prior to your reservation - just be sure to confirm when you call.  ;-D

Melissa - We drove about the same distance as you. We left on Wed after my husband got home a little earlier from work and stayed part way, then we drove almost 8 hours on Thursday, pulling in with enough time to get our hotel and go to Sarge's Meet n Greet. For us, it was a lot easier to have the flexibility and even 5 years ago, it was still cheaper than flying. 

If you do fly, then as Trey said get refundable or changeable tickets. And watch for the "window" of cheaper prices, whatever that might be, I am not sure. 

Motel - I booked ours as soon as I figured out where to stay and after I had received the family brochure in the mail. I think that is posted on the bootcamp website now. I also made sure I could change my reservations. When I talked to the motel directly, they seemed very understanding of possibly needing to change your dates. Make sure you verify the cancellation policy though. 

Melissa --Book Now if you manage it.  Make sure your plane tickets are changeable/refundable.  Only you can decide if the cost of driving vs flying makes the most sense.  Just over a Month away!!!

we too use southwest because the airport is closer to us and we have a credit card to get points with them.  and yea, especially if you use points/miles the changeable is easier but almost all them seem to make more effort if you call..  Hotels sometimes have two prices so make sure of refund/change dates, naturally it tends to be the higher one lol..

southwest and I'm sure other airlines start varying their prices. closer you get more expensive but super early isn't always cheapest either.. we book and then check flights almost daily/weekly to catch a better deal..

Totally excited, my recruit has been in RCU since middle of August. They have scheduled his run tests for next Friday, slides back into a division and PIR Nov 4!!!!

Cindy@FrostyAcres - Yay!!!

Thank is so awesome Cindi..  

Cindi - that's fantastic news!